Commissioner Jerry Eversole confirmed in federal court on Thursday that he wants to proceed to trial on felony bribery charges within six weeks despite his attorney's advice to take more time to prepare.

"I have counseled my client repeatedly" about the risk of going to trial so soon, attorney Rusty Hardin told U.S. District Judge David Hittner.

Hardin emphasized his point with a bit of stagecraft in which he called upon Eversole to stand and once more hear his warning that his defense team may not be as prepared next month as it could be if it were given more time to go through more than 300,000 pages of federal documents related to the charges.

"I do understand," Eversole replied.

Hardin asked Eversole if he wished to go to trial as soon as late February, even if it presents a risk his attorneys will not be prepared.

"Absolutely," the commissioner replied.

Eversole's request for a speedy trial, however, is complicated by having a co-defendant whose attorneys want more time.

Hardin asked that the trials be separated. Lewis and Surface did not oppose the request. Lewis said he understood that as a public official, Eversole wants to get the matter disposed of quickly.

Hittner will rule on the requests after receiving briefs from both prosecutors and defense attorneys.

Hardin also asked that Hittner lift the no-contact rule imposed on Eversole and Surface in the case.

"This is a 30-year friendship," Hardin said. "Nothing untoward is going to happen."

Three lawyers from the Department of Justice had come to Houston from Washington for the trial conference because they intend to prove that a great deal already has happened that is not only untoward but illegal.

Last Dec. 21, Eversole was indicted on one count of accepting a bribe, one count of conspiracy and two counts of filing false income tax statements. The Department of Justice contends that Eversole steered lucrative county contracts to Surface, a developer, in exchange for more than $100,000 in cash and gifts. Eversole also helped Surface get appointed chairman of the board that runs Reliant Park, according to the indictments, and even contemplated giving up his seat to Surface.

Lewis requested a trial date of October.

Federal prosecutors opposed severing the trials and lifting the no-contact order imposed by the magistrate who arraigned Eversole and Surface. Because the defendants' friendship is central to the case, prosecutor John Pearson said, the two should stay apart except in the presence of their attorneys.

Pearson said separating the trials "would be a massive waste of resources" that would mean, essentially, holding the same trial twice.